Comfort food with zero fuss—and maybe even better the next day.
While the name may not inspire, the taste sure will. This one-pot wonder transforms any weeknight into something special. It’s hearty, cozy, and comes together fast. Serve it with some sautéed veggies or fruit, and don’t forget the garlic bread—or our favorite: Trader Joe’s Garlic Naan—for a meal that gets rave reviews every time.
Why You’ll Love It:
- One-pot magic: Everything cooks right in the Instant Pot—no mess, no fuss.
- Quick and easy: Less than 30 minutes start to finish, with about 5 minutes of prep (depending on how fast you chop onions!).
- Even better the next day: Leftovers reheat beautifully—just add a splash of water and microwave.
- Versatile: Try different proteins to mix things up.
It took me a while to jump on the Instant Pot bandwagon, but once I did, I was constantly hunting for easy, hearty meals to feed my tribe. I did a full-on happy dance when I found this one.
These days we have just one nestling left at home, but for many years I was cooking for seven (or more when friends stayed over). I needed meals that were fast, filling, and budget-friendly—this goulash checks all those boxes and it’s downright delicious.
Serve it up with whatever sides you love: roasted or sautéed veggies, a crisp salad, or a handful of grapes. And don’t forget something to mop up that saucy goodness.
Need a gluten-free version? I do too…I am working on tweaking this and seeing how it holds up with GF pasta (notorious for having texture issues). So if you are with me on this GF journey, check back later, I am working to revamp all the recipes that have gluten and seeing how I can make them friendly to us avoiding all things gluten.
May your weeknights be easier, your leftovers be legendary, and your Instant Pot do all the work.
Happy cooking! Real food. Real kitchens. Real love. –The Food Civilian
Instant Pot Goulash
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
Ingredients
Cook together using saute mode on Instant Pot:
- 1 TBS olive oil as needed
- 1 lb lean ground beef can sub in turkey or chicken
- 1 medium onion, diced any color works
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Drain grease and add:
- 2 ½ c water (can use 1 c beef broth + 1 ½ c water)
- 2-3 TBS soy sauce, low sodium (I often only do 2 since my Italian seasoning has salt in it)
- 2 TBS Italian seasoning (can make own with 1 T oregano and 1½tsp each of basil and parsley)
- 1 29 oz jar tomato sauce/spaghetti sauce or 2-14.5 oz cans
- 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
- 1 lb large elbow noodles, uncooked
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Turn on Instant Pot to saute function.
- Once hot, add in ground beef, onion, garlic, and salt & pepper to taste.
- Cook until meat is brown.
- Drain fat & return to pot liner.
Add remaining ingredients and stir. Place bay leaves on the top.
- Place lid on Instant Pot. Make sure pressure valve is closed.
- Pressure on high for 4 minutes.
- Do manual/quick release.
- Remove lid & remove bay leaves.
- Mix together and add salt & pepper to taste.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil/parsley.